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Local congressional members want more oil and gas leases

Published: Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 12:28 a.m.

U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu and U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy want President Barack Obama’s administration to increase the amount of oil and gas leases available in the Gulf of Mexico.

The administration’s 2012-2017 plan allots just 15 leases in the Gulf, the fewest planned since 1980, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service. Now the Department of the Interior is seeking comments during the next 45 days to develop a 2017-2022 energy plan.

Landrieu, D-La., and Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, issued statements Friday imploring the administration to consider upping the number of leases.

“Thousands of jobs could be created by developing Louisiana’s offshore resources and opening our waters for more lease sales,” Cassidy said in a news release. “Unfortunately, the current 5-year leasing program shows the president prefers to keep these resources off limits.”

Landrieu made comments directed at the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

“Offshore oil and gas exploration has helped fuel an energy revolution and positioned the United States to become an energy superpower. Opening new areas offshore to oil and gas production will help America become more energy secure and will create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs to grow and expand the middle class,” Landrieu said.

Any increase in the number of leases would increase the potential for drilling activity in the Gulf, creating more demand for the goods and services provided by oilfield companies in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.

“Obviously we advocate for opening up more area for the oil and gas industry because of the implication that it has for energy security in the country and not being dependent on foreign oil for energy needs,” Port Fourchon Executive Director Chett Chiasson said.

<p>U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu and U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy want President Barack Obama's administration to increase the amount of oil and gas leases available in the Gulf of Mexico. </p><p>The administration's 2012-2017 plan allots just 15 leases in the Gulf, the fewest planned since 1980, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service. Now the Department of the Interior is seeking comments during the next 45 days to develop a 2017-2022 energy plan. </p><p> Landrieu, D-La., and Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, issued statements Friday imploring the administration to consider upping the number of leases. </p><p>“Thousands of jobs could be created by developing Louisiana's offshore resources and opening our waters for more lease sales,” Cassidy said in a news release. “Unfortunately, the current 5-year leasing program shows the president prefers to keep these resources off limits.” </p><p>Landrieu made comments directed at the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.</p><p>“Offshore oil and gas exploration has helped fuel an energy revolution and positioned the United States to become an energy superpower. Opening new areas offshore to oil and gas production will help America become more energy secure and will create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs to grow and expand the middle class,” Landrieu said.</p><p>Any increase in the number of leases would increase the potential for drilling activity in the Gulf, creating more demand for the goods and services provided by oilfield companies in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. </p><p>“Obviously we advocate for opening up more area for the oil and gas industry because of the implication that it has for energy security in the country and not being dependent on foreign oil for energy needs,” Port Fourchon Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. </p><p>Environmental groups have routinely opposed expanding oil and gas leases on the basis that increased carbon extraction accelerates global warming and related sea level rise. </p><p>Staff Writer John Harper can be reached at 857-2209 or john.harper@houmatoday.com. Follow him on twitter </p><p>@JC_HARP.</p>